Ruth S. Holmes

August 10, 2014 6:01 pm

KINGFIELD-SOUTHWEST HARBOR – Ruth Celestia Stanley Holmes passed away at the Island Nursing Home on Deer Isle on Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at the age of 83. Ruth was born in Bar Harbor on February 11, 1931, the daughter of Chester W. Stanley and Bertha E. Robinson. She graduated from Pemetic High School, class of 1949, and attended Colby College, class of 1953. Ruth continued her education at Eastern Michigan University, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Portsmouth Business College, State University of Potsdam, NY, and Farmington State College, where she received her BS in secondary education and was a member of the Tri-Beta Biological Society.
Ruth married David A. Holmes on March, 22, 1952 in Southwest Harbor. They resided in Newport, RI; Hampton Beach, NH; Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, MI; and Farmington and Kingfield, Maine. Ruth was a dedicated educator for many years, teaching typing and biology at Kingfield High School and biology at Mt. Abram High School in Salem, Maine. She took great pride in preparing students for the rigors of college biology and possible careers in science and medicine. Ruth was actively involved with many civic and educational organizations, often serving as an officer or board member. Her memberships included the Maine State Biologists Association, American Association of University Women, General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Literacy Volunteers of America, Kingtown Literary Club, Webster Library, Kingfield Senior Citizens, and the “Red Snappers” Red Hat Society. She had a lifetime dedication to the health and safety of animals and was a founding member of the Franklin County Animal Shelter in Farmington.
An avid genealogist, Ruth assisted many others in researching their roots while she pursued her own ancestors on Mount Desert Island and beyond. She was a member of the Maine Genealogical Society, the Maine Old Cemetery Association, and the historical societies of Mount Desert Island, Tremont, Southwest Harbor, and Kingfield. Ruth loved to sing, and was a member of the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church choir and the Farmington Choral Society, as well as with local choral groups for Christmas and Easter productions. Ruth also delighted in nature, studying plants, especially ferns, and insects and birds throughout her life.
Ruth is survived by her husband, David A. Holmes of Kingfield; her daughter Faith H. Webster and husband Robert of Blue Hill; grandson Brook E. Webster and wife Jennifer of Kingfield; granddaughter Lauren C. Webster LaFrance and husband Edward of South Portland; two great-grandchildren: Guinevere L. Webster and Braeden H. Webster of Kingfield; one brother, Ralph W. Stanley of Southwest Harbor and four sisters: Irene S. Murphy of Southwest Harbor, Nancy S. Stone of New Hartford, NY, Myrna S. Ritterscamp of Indianapolis, IN, and Mary S. Abbott of Ellsworth, as well as many nieces and nephews. Ruth was predeceased by two sisters; Esther S. Willis of Portland and Phoebe S. Collins of Ellsworth.
A graveside memorial service will be held at Sunnyside Cemetery in Kingfield later this summer and memorial gathering will be held in Southwest Harbor in the fall. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to the Southwest Harbor Historical Society: PO Box 272, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 or the Franklin County Animal Shelter: 550 Industry Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.